Animals killed in ‘Signifcant fire’ at Stranocum

A Stranocum farm was the scene of a ‘significant fire’ last week when 100 cattle and sheep died in the blaze which also destroyed 1,000 bales of hay.

The fire, on Wednesday evening, at Moyan Road took place on the same night that hundreds of fire-fighters were battling a huge blaze at a restaurant in Londonderry.

The severity of both blazes meant that Northern Ireland Fire and rescue commanders were forced to redeploy fire-fighters from all over Northern Ireland.

The alarm was raised about the Stranocum blaze at 15.29 on March 11th.

A NIFRS spokesperson added: “The first attendance was at 15.46 when an appliance based at Ballymoney arrived.

“This was soon increased to four appliances as the area is rural and water supplies limited.

“Three large sheds, some containing hay, were on fire and the order was given to bring in specialist equipment, including a high volume pump and foam cannon as well as a hydraulic platform to allow water to be directed from above.

“Eight different fire appliances – and over 30 fire-fighters - as well as officers, were at the scene at one time, although given its protracted nature, relief crews had to be brought in.

“Five water jets were used, as well as six breathing apparatus sets worn to finally extinguish this fire.

“1,000 bales of hay were destroyed and farm machinery lost in the fire as well as livestock, ten cattle and 90 sheep.”

Such was the size and scale of the fire, the NI Fire and Rescue Service were in attendance dealing with the incident until 2pm the next day - almost 24 hours after the first call.

“The cause is thought to be accidental,” concluded the NIFRS statemnt.